A man accused of trying to stab a shop worker in the head while high on drink and drugs must remain in custody, a High Court judge ordered today.

Madam Justice McBride refused bail to Scott McCormick after hearing claims he binged on 24 tins of beer and 15 diazepam pills before trying to hold up an East Belfast convenience store.

She said: “The risk is he takes alcohol and when the drink’s in there are problems.”

McCormick, 28, of Lichfield Avenue in the city, claims to have no memory of the alleged incident at a Co-op on January 16. He faces charges of attempted robbery, threats to kill, common assault, possession of an offensive weapon and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

A prosecution lawyer claimed he entered the store on the Beersbridge Road, went behind the counter area and brandished a butter knife at the cashier. It was alleged that he shouted at the man: “Open the f****** till”.

He then lunged at a man working there, repeatedly trying to stab him around the head area, according to the prosecutor. She said the shop worker managed to grab his arms and wrestle the knife from him. CCTV footage shows McCormick punching the cashier about the body and to the jaw during the struggle, the court heard.

Other members of staff helped restrain the would-be robber until police arrived. While he was being restrained McCormick allegedly shouted: “I know where you are, I’m going to kill you.”

During interviews he told police he had been drinking for several hours before the incident and had no recollection of the events.

The prosecution lawyer added: “He said he had consumed approximately 24 tins of Harp and, in addition, 15 diazepam tablets.”

The bail application was based on medical issues surrounding McCormick’s partner, and her struggles to cope without him. The court heard she lacks confidence and needs help with cooking.